Raiders land Boss to replace Miller

The Raiders took some of the sting off of losing leading receiver Zach Miller on Tuesday when they agreed to terms with free agent tight end Kevin Boss on Friday morning. As we write this, Boss is signing a four-year, $16 million contract.

Boss, 27, had 35 catches for 531 yards and five touchdowns for the New York Giants last season. The Giants were interested in bringing Boss back but couldn’t match the Raiders’ offer.

Oakland got under the salary cap this week thanks in large part to defensive players Kamerion Wimbley, Stanford Routt and Richard Seymour retsructing their contracts.

Miller, 25, signed a five-year, $34 million deal with Seattle. He made the Pro Bowl last season with 60 catches for 685 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a very underrated blocker.

Boss, who is a very good blocker, is coming off offseason hip surgery but checked out fine when he worked out for the Raiders on Wednesday evening.

Having a reliable safety valve like Miller or Boss is very important to Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell, who has looked for the tight end underneath his entire career. That said, new Raiders coach Hue Jackson definitely seems to be emphasizing airing the ball out at camp in Napa.

Boss’ signing also allows rookie tight end David Ausberry more time to develop. The seventh-round pick out of USC has looked good in camp, and will now compete with veterans Brandon Myers and Kevin Brock and roookie Richard Gordon for a backup role.